Devil's Lake State Park: A Complete Guide From a Dells Host
Devil's Lake State Park is the one place I tell every guest to see, even the ones who came for the waterparks. It's about 30 to 40 minutes south of our homes, near Baraboo, and it feels like a different world from the Parkway: a clear lake squeezed between 500-foot bluffs of pink and purple quartzite, with nearly 30 miles of trails and two sandy beaches.
We hiked the East Bluff to Devil's Doorway in July 2025 with our son and our dog, and that's the part of this guide that comes from our own boots. The rest (the other trails, beaches, paddling, camping and winter) comes from the Wisconsin DNR and the park's own information, so you can plan the whole day in one place. I'll keep adding to it as we explore more of the park.
Quick facts
- Where: S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, about 30 to 40 minutes from our homes in the Dells
- Size: Wisconsin's largest and busiest state park, around 9,200 acres and well over 2 million visits a year
- The lake: 360 acres, spring-fed, 40 to 50 feet deep, with 500-foot bluffs on three sides
- Trails: nearly 30 miles, from flat paved paths to some of the steepest climbs in the state
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., year-round
- Pass: a Wisconsin state park vehicle pass is required (details below)
- Dogs: welcome on most trails on a leash of 8 feet or less, but not on the beaches or in picnic areas
- Park office: (608) 356-8301
Passes and fees
Every vehicle needs a state park admission sticker. These are the current DNR rates:
| Vehicle | Daily | 12-month |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin plates | $13 | $28 |
| Out-of-state plates | $16 | $50 |
| Wisconsin residents 65 and older | $3 | $13 |
A second car from the same household can get a reduced-rate 12-month pass. If you'll visit more than two or three state parks in a year (Mirror Lake and Rocky Arbor are right by the Dells), the 12-month pass pays for itself fast. Devil's Lake also honors certain federal passes in place of the state fee.
Buy your pass online before you go. The DNR says it's the easiest way to skip the line at the entrance stations, and there's an extra $5 fee if you use the park without paying.
When to go, and how to beat the crowds
Devil's Lake is busy. On weekends and holidays from May through October, the DNR says parking lots often fill before 9 a.m., and rangers sometimes hold traffic at the entrance until things clear out. The bluff trails, Tumbled Rocks, Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway are the most crowded spots.
What works:
- Go Monday through Thursday if your trip allows it.
- On weekends, get there early in the morning or come late in the afternoon. Evening is also the best time for sunset views off the bluffs.
- Don't wait in line for a parking spot. The DNR asks people not to park along the roads. If the lot is full, go somewhere else and come back.
- Try the quieter edges of the park. The Steinke Basin and Roznos Meadow lots and the Ice Age Trail access points lead to trails most visitors never see.
Best seasons: If you can pick, aim for late September to mid-October. The bluffs turn red, orange and gold, the bugs are gone and it's cool enough for the climbs. Summer is the beach season. Spring is quiet but muddy. Winter is beautiful, but the trails aren't maintained for snow and ice (more on that below).
For what the weather is like each month, see our guide to Wisconsin Dells weather and the best time to visit.
North Shore or South Shore?
The park has two main day-use areas at opposite ends of the lake. They're separate drives into the park, so pick the one that matches your plan instead of trying to do both in a busy afternoon.
North Shore is where we parked. It has the bigger beach area, the historic Chateau, a concession building, picnic areas and the trailheads for the East Bluff, Tumbled Rocks and the West Bluff. It's the best start for Devil's Doorway via the East Bluff Trail, and for easy walks along the west shore.
South Shore has its own beach, a concession building and picnic area, and the short, steep trails up the East Bluff: Balanced Rock, Potholes and the C.C.C. Trail, plus the flat Grottos Trail along the base of the bluff. It's the faster way up to Devil's Doorway if you don't mind stairs.
The best hikes at Devil's Lake
Here's every trail in the park, from the DNR's own list:
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tumbled Rocks | 1 mile | Easiest | Along the west shore through boulder fields. Northern half is paved. The park's most popular trail. |
| Grottos | 0.7 miles | Easiest | Level gravel along the base of the East Bluff. Accessible. |
| Group Camp | 0.5 miles | Easiest | Footpath with some steps to the South Shore. |
| Steinke Basin | 2.4-mile loop | Easiest | Flat, grassy and wooded, across an old glacial lake bed. Look for beaver signs. |
| Johnson Moraine | 2.8 miles | Easiest | Mostly flat, along the glacier's terminal moraine past kettles and marshes. |
| East Bluff Woods | 1.3 miles | More difficult | Wooded climbs and descents. No lake views. |
| Roznos Meadow | 1.8 miles | More difficult | Prairie restoration, then woods up to the Upland Trail. |
| Upland | 3.8-mile loop | More difficult | High loop with some views, then meadows. Bikes allowed when open. |
| East Bluff | 1.7 miles | Most difficult | Stone steps at the north end, then ups and downs with lake views. Passes Elephant Rock. |
| West Bluff | 1.4 miles | Most difficult | Stone steps at the north end, steep climb at the south end, lake views from the top. |
| Balanced Rock | 0.4 miles | Most difficult | A steep rocky staircase up the East Bluff from the South Shore. |
| Potholes | 0.3 miles | Most difficult | Stone steps between quartzite walls, with eroded potholes near the top. |
| C.C.C. | 0.3 miles | Most difficult | Stone steps from the group camp to the top of the bluff. |
| Devil's Doorway | 0.1 miles | Most difficult | Short rocky spur along the edge of the East Bluff. |
| Sauk Point | 4.5 miles | Most difficult | Woods, grassland and farmland along the highest point in the Baraboo Hills. |
Nearly every trail is short, but don't let the mileage fool you. The "most difficult" ones climb about 500 feet in a hurry, mostly on uneven rock steps.
Our hike: East Bluff Trail to Devil's Doorway
This is the one we did, and it's the one I'd pick if you only have one big outdoor day in the Dells.
We parked at the North Shore and started up the East Bluff Trail from the east end of the North Shore area. After a short flat stretch, it turns straight up a long run of stone steps. The DNR rates it "most difficult," and the steps at the north end are the reason.
The payoff comes fast. Within the first stretch, the trees open up and you get your first look down at the lake and across to the West Bluff.
Once you're on top, the trail rolls along the bluff with one overlook after another, each one a big tilted slab of quartzite. We stopped at nearly all of them. It was a hot, hazy July day, so we went slowly and made sure everyone, the dog included, had plenty of water.
Devil's Doorway is a short rocky side trail off the East Bluff Trail: two stacked columns of quartzite with a slab across the top, sitting right on the edge of the bluff and framing the lake below. Expect a short wait for photos on a nice day. Hikers come and go, so you'll get your turn.
On the way back, the trail drops below the rock walls of the bluff into the woods, which was a nice shady change after the open overlooks. With all our stops, our route came to about 5 miles and took most of the day. The straight out-and-back from the North Shore to Devil's Doorway is about 3.1 miles with around 640 feet of climbing.
For the full story with more photos, read our East Bluff hike to Devil's Doorway.
Balanced Rock and the South Shore loop
If you'd rather start at the South Shore, the Balanced Rock Trail is the classic way up. It's only 0.4 miles, but it's a steep, uneven staircase of rock the whole way. Balanced Rock itself sits about 100 feet off the trail, roughly three-quarters of the way up.
At the top you meet the East Bluff Trail. From there, you can walk north along the bluff to Devil's Doorway, then come back down the Potholes or C.C.C. Trail and return to the South Shore along the flat Grottos Trail. That makes a short but hard loop that hits the two most famous rocks in the park. I haven't done this side yet, so take my word on the map, not the legs.
West Bluff and Tumbled Rocks
The West Bluff Trail climbs the other side of the lake: stone steps at the north end, a steep climb at the south end, and views back across to the East Bluff. Pair it with Tumbled Rocks along the shore below for a loop, going up one and back on the other.
On its own, Tumbled Rocks is the best easy walk in the park. It follows the lakeshore at the base of the West Bluff, past huge fields of fallen quartzite. The northern half is paved (rough in spots), so it works for strollers and adventurous wheelchair users, and the lake views are right there at water level.
Easy and accessible options
- Tumbled Rocks (1 mile, paved northern half): lakeside boulders with no climbing.
- Grottos (0.7 miles): level gravel along the south face of the East Bluff, listed as accessible.
- Steinke Basin (2.4-mile loop): flat and quiet, with small streams and beaver signs.
- Johnson Moraine (2.8 miles): mostly flat, along the ridge the glacier left behind.
The park has about 1.5 miles of accessible trail in all, including a lakeshore sidewalk and boardwalk and paved paths in the North and South Shore day-use areas. The North Shore beach has a beach access mat, and you can check out a beach wheelchair at the Chateau.
Quieter, longer hikes
If you want to get away from the crowds, look at Sauk Point (4.5 miles across the highest ground in the Baraboo Hills), the Upland Trail loop (3.8 miles) and Roznos Meadow (1.8 miles). The Ice Age National Scenic Trail also runs through the park for around 11 miles, so you can string together a much longer day.
Beaches and swimming
There are two sandy beaches, one at each end of the lake, about 3,300 feet of shoreline together. Both have restrooms in season, and the shore areas have picnic tables, grills and playgrounds nearby.
Two things to know before you go:
- There are no lifeguards. Keep kids within arm's reach, and pack life jackets for young swimmers.
- Dogs aren't allowed on the beaches. They have their own swim areas (see below).
The lake is clear, cold early in the season and very busy on summer weekends. Pair a morning hike with an afternoon swim, and you've got the classic Devil's Lake day.
Paddling, boating and fishing
- Rentals: in summer, the North and South Shore concession buildings rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and paddleboats. They're open all summer and on some spring and fall weekends.
- Your own boat: only electric motors are allowed, which keeps the lake quiet. There are two free boat landings, one near the Chateau on the North Shore and one along Park Road between the shores. Everyone in a boat, rafts included, needs a life jacket.
- Fishing: the lake has brown trout, walleye, northern pike, bass and panfish. A license is required at 16 and up, plus a trout stamp for trout. Anglers of any age can borrow basic fishing gear for free at the park office.
- Scuba: yes, people dive here. Divers need to fly a dive flag and shouldn't dive alone.
The concession stores also sell food, groceries, ice, firewood and souvenirs, so you don't need to haul everything in.
Bringing your dog
Our golden came with us on the East Bluff, and Devil's Lake is a good park for dogs if you know the rules:
- Dogs must be on a leash of 8 feet or less at all times.
- Dogs are welcome on most trails, but not on the beaches, in picnic areas, on playgrounds or in buildings.
- There's a leashed pet swim area near the North Shore boat launch and an off-leash pet swim area near the South Shore boat launch, plus a pet picnic area on the North Shore.
- No pets at Parfrey's Glen, the popular gorge just east of the park.
- The rock gets hot in summer, and the stone steps are a workout for dogs too. Bring more water than you think you need.
More places to take your dog are in our dog-friendly Wisconsin Dells guide.
Devil's Lake with kids
Our son did the East Bluff with us, with plenty of breaks. Kids who are used to hiking can handle it. With younger kids, I'd start with Tumbled Rocks or Grottos and save the bluff for a few years.
The Nature Center, in the park's old golf clubhouse, has geology displays and historic photos, and the park naturalist runs guided hikes, wildlife programs and Ho-Chunk cultural programs year-round. Its 2026 hours:
- Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day: Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday and Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Labor Day to Oct. 31: Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday noon to 4 p.m., closed Monday
- Nov. 1 to late May: Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sunday, Monday and winter holidays
Check the DNR events calendar for programs during your stay. For the rest of your trip, see Wisconsin Dells with kids.
Rock climbing
Devil's Lake is one of the best-known climbing areas in the Midwest, and you'll often see climbers on the bluffs. The DNR's position is that it "neither prohibits nor promotes" climbing: no permits, no reservable routes, and nothing is maintained for climbers, so it's entirely at your own risk. Loose rock is a real hazard.
If you've never climbed outdoors, hire a local guide service for a half day. They bring the gear and know the routes.
How the lake got here
The geology is half the fun here. The bluffs are part of the Baraboo Range, which the DNR dates to about 1.6 billion years ago. The rock started as sand in shallow seas, then heat and pressure turned it into quartzite, which is why it's so hard and glassy. Look closely near the South Shore and you can still see ripple marks left by water on that ancient sand.
About 15,000 years ago, the glacier covered the eastern half of the Baraboo Hills. It left ridges of rock and gravel, called moraines, that plugged both ends of an old river gorge. Rain and springs filled the gap between the plugs, and that's Devil's Lake. The fields of broken boulders along Tumbled Rocks and under the bluffs are rock that froze, cracked and fell from the cliffs.
People have been here far longer than the park. There are effigy mounds built in animal shapes, including a lynx and a bird, near the Nature Center, plus a long linear mound by the North Shore concession building. The park itself opened in 1911, and from 1934 to 1941 a Civilian Conservation Corps camp built many of the trails, stone steps and buildings people still use today.
Devil's Lake in winter
The park stays open all winter, and it's peaceful once the summer crowds are gone. Go in with the right expectations:
- The trails aren't maintained for winter (they're not closed, just not cleared). The stone steps on the bluffs get icy, so bring traction cleats or stick to the flat trails.
- Snowshoe anywhere. The Nature Center loans snowshoes for free when there's enough snow, first come, first served, so call ahead.
- Skiing is allowed anywhere, but there are no groomed ski trails. For groomed cross-country skiing, Mirror Lake State Park near the Dells is the better pick.
- Ice fishing is popular once the lake freezes, usually for about three months. The park doesn't monitor ice thickness, so check conditions yourself.
- Quartzite Campground stays open year-round for winter camping.
More cold-weather ideas are in our Wisconsin Dells in winter guide.
Camping
The park has 423 family campsites in three campgrounds, and they book up fast for summer and fall weekends. Reservations are required and open up to 11 months ahead through the state's Going to Camp site or by calling 1-888-947-2757.
| Campground | Sites | Electric | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quartzite | 1 to 100 | 75 sites | Year-round |
| Northern Lights | 104 to 246 | 71 sites (the only wooded electric sites) | About April to October |
| Ice Age | 301 to 535 | None | About April to October |
Water and shower buildings are shut off from about mid-October to mid-April, depending on the weather. There are also nine group campsites.
If camping isn't your thing, staying in the Dells and driving down for the day is easy, and you get the waterparks, restaurants and a real bed at night.
Nearby: Parfrey's Glen and Pewit's Nest
Two short gorges near the park are worth adding to a Devil's Lake day:
- Parfrey's Glen, a few miles east, was Wisconsin's first State Natural Area: a narrow, mossy gorge with a creek and a small waterfall. The trail is 0.7 miles with a gentle climb. No food, drinks or pets, and you have to stay on the trail to protect endangered species. It gets very busy, so go early.
- Pewit's Nest, just outside Baraboo, is a quick stop: a short walk to a 30- to 40-foot gorge where Skillet Creek spills over sandstone. There are no restrooms, and climbing or jumping from the rocks gets you a fine.
Both are in our guide to hiking and nature near Wisconsin Dells.
Where to eat nearby
You'll be hungry after the bluffs. These are close to the park and on our Dells Picks restaurant list:
- Tumbled Rock Brewery & Kitchen, near the park's north entrance: house beer, pizza and a patio. The natural post-hike stop, so it's busy on nice weekends.
- Log Cabin Family Restaurant and Bakery in Baraboo: big breakfasts (served until 2 p.m.) before a hike.
- Broadway Diner in Baraboo: a retro diner for breakfast and lunch, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Neat-O's Bake Shoppe in Baraboo: donuts and apple fritters for the trail. Closed Sundays.
- Baraboo Burger Company on the Baraboo square: burgers and cheese curds. Closed Wednesdays.
A Devil's Lake day from the Dells
Here's how I'd plan it:
- Leave the Dells by 7:30 a.m. and grab pastries in Baraboo on the way, or eat breakfast at the house.
- Park at the North Shore by 8:30 and hike the East Bluff to Devil's Doorway before the heat and the crowds.
- Late morning: come down, cool off at the beach (or the pet swim area if your dog came along), or rent a kayak.
- Lunch at Tumbled Rock Brewery or in Baraboo.
- Afternoon: Parfrey's Glen if you still have legs, or Circus World in Baraboo in summer.
- Back in the Dells for dinner, and an early night.
For more days like this, see things to do in Wisconsin Dells besides waterparks.
Safety tips
- Wear real shoes. Hiking boots or sneakers with good grip. Flip-flops and water shoes don't cut it on the rocks.
- Carry water. There's no drinking water on the bluff trails.
- Stay back from the edges. The bluffs drop off steeply, and falls happen here. Keep kids close at the overlooks and around Devil's Doorway.
- Take the steps slowly, especially going down. Sand and fallen leaves make the rock slippery.
- Watch the clock. Short trails take longer than you think with photo stops, and the park closes at 11 p.m.
FAQ
How far is Devil's Lake from Wisconsin Dells?
Devil's Lake State Park is near Baraboo, about 30 to 40 minutes' drive from our homes in the Dells, depending on which shore you're headed to and the traffic.
What is the best hike at Devil's Lake?
For views, the East Bluff Trail to Devil's Doorway. It's the one we did, and it's worth every step. For an easy walk, Tumbled Rocks along the west shore is flat and partly paved. For a short, steep climb from the South Shore, take the Balanced Rock Trail.
How hard is the hike to Devil's Doorway?
It's short but steep. The out-and-back from the North Shore on the East Bluff Trail is about 3.1 miles with around 640 feet of climbing, mostly on rock steps. Our son and our dog did it, taking it slow with lots of breaks. From the South Shore, the Balanced Rock or Potholes trails are shorter and even steeper.
Do you need a pass for Devil's Lake State Park?
Yes. Every vehicle needs a Wisconsin state park admission sticker: $13 a day for Wisconsin plates or $16 for out-of-state plates, or $28 and $50 for a 12-month pass. Buy it online before you go to skip the line.
Are dogs allowed at Devil's Lake?
Yes, on most trails on a leash of 8 feet or less. Dogs aren't allowed on the beaches or in picnic areas, but there are pet swim areas near both boat launches, and the South Shore one is off leash.
Can you swim at Devil's Lake?
Yes. There are sandy beaches at the North and South Shores with restrooms in season. There are no lifeguards, so keep a close eye on kids.
Is Devil's Lake worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you dress for it. The park is open year-round, it's quiet, and you can borrow snowshoes for free from the Nature Center. The trails aren't maintained for winter, so bring traction for the bluff steps or stick to the flat trails.
More guides
- Our East Bluff hike to Devil's Doorway
- Hiking and nature near Wisconsin Dells
- Dog-friendly Wisconsin Dells
- Things to do in Wisconsin Dells besides waterparks
- Where to stay in Wisconsin Dells
Photo credits
Photos not listed here are ours. The others are used under their Creative Commons or public domain licenses, via Wikimedia Commons:
- Fall color: Yinan Chen, public domain
- North Shore Chateau: Corey Coyle, CC BY 3.0
- Balanced Rock: Justin Meissen, CC BY-SA 2.0
- West Bluff in fall: Corey Coyle, CC BY 3.0
- Tumbled Rocks boulders: James St. John, CC BY 2.0
- Beach from the West Bluff Trail: Markheffron2, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Nature Center: Chris Light, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Rock climbing: Mike Bularz, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Ripple marks: James St. John, CC BY 2.0
- Frozen lake: Yinan Chen, public domain
- Parfrey's Glen: Wackybadger, CC BY-SA 3.0
Park facts are from the Wisconsin DNR's Devil's Lake pages, checked October 2026. Hours, fees and rules change, so check the DNR site before you go.
